Digital Elevation Data

The National Cartography & Geospatial Center (NCGC) is active in providing technical assistance and digital elevation data resources to NRCS staff and partners.

• Digital Elevation Models
• National Elevation Dataset

NRCS is a member agency of the National Digital Elevation Program. The National Digital Elevation Program (NDEP) is a multi-agency federal partnership chaired by USGS to expedite the collection and availability of elevation data. NDEP member agencies intend to leverage funds for the acquisition of elevation data in common areas of interest. It supports data sharing, promotes using flexible and common standards, and leveraging of resources to minimize redundant data production. The Guidelines for Digital Elevation Data provide more information on LIDAR technology and requirements for acquisition of elevation data.

Elevation Data Sources

Types and sources of elevation data commonly used for NRCS applications are Digital Elevation Models (DEM) and the National Elevation Dataset (NED). These data have 10- or 30-meter resolution and are available via the USGS and USDA web sites. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) offers a central web site for downloading or ordering digital elevation data in Geographic, and NAD83 formats. The Geospatial Data Gateway is a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) data distribution web site where DEM and NED data are downloadable in the UTM projection, NAD83 datum.